15 Best Mark Ruffalo Movies of All Time

Before he became the angry yet lovable green superhero, Mark Ruffalo already had an impressive amount of successful movies under his belt. He appeared in more than 50 movies and received numerous accolades for his mesmerizing performances in diverse roles. Breaking hearts in rom-coms, showcasing his acting skills in edgy independent movies to finally smashing his role as Bruce Banner, taking The Hulk to a whole new level, he has done it all. With an impressive acting career, Ruffalo proved he has more than just good looks and boyish charms. Here are the 15 best Mark Ruffalo movies of all time:

15. We Don’t Live Here Anymore (2004)

A drama film based on short stories Adultery and We Don’t Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus, it revolves around an extramarital affair that disrupts the relationship between two couples. Jack and Terry have been experiencing issues in their marriage. Jack eventually gets involved with Edith, the wife of his best friend, Hank. When Terry and Hank discover the infidelity, they start their own extramarital affair. Their friendships and marriages are at the brink of collapse.

Powerful performances by the cast, especially Ruffalo and Watts, perfectly describes the dynamics of adultery, marriage and friendship, and narrates some uncomfortable truths. Ruffalo flawlessly portrays the role of the repelling guy going through a mid-life crises.

14. On the 2nd Day of Christmas (1997)

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Trish and her niece, Patsy, pick pockets to earn a living. However, they get into trouble when Bert, a department store security guard catches them. With Christmas around the corner, the store owner decides to get them arrested once Christmas is over and entrusts their care to Bert. With their future at stake, the attraction between Trish and Bert may save them in the end or may turn things worse for them.

Ruffalo’s musical and acting talents shine throughout the movie. The great chemistry between Ruffalo and Masterson makes the movie even more magical.

13. What Doesn’t Kill You (2008)

Childhood friends, Brian and Paulie do whatever it takes to survive a neighborhood where crime is a norm. Eventually, they find themselves working for gangster, Pat Kelly. Brain keeps sinking deeper into these crimes while Paulie attempts to do one final heist in order to save himself and his best friend from their dead-end lives.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most winning performance by Ruffalo. He gives a heartfelt performance of a disturbed young individual falling into a drug riddled alcoholic existence. The audience can feel the torment he is going through as he tries to improve his financial crises due to his mistakes. His performance earned him a few Best Actor nominations for his role.

12. The Brothers Bloom (2008)

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Two brothers, Bloom and Stephen, work as confident men along with their sidekick Bang Bang. Tired of scamming people, Bloom wants out but Stephen talks him into a final con against a rich eccentric shut-in, Penelope. They prepare to take advantage of her loneliness in con which is meant to satisfy her craving for adventure.

The chemistry between Brody and Ruffalo is most definitely the highlight of the movie. This movie grossed $5,529,464 worldwide and exceptional acting skills earned the actors a number of award nominations, including Ruffalo being nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical.

11. Margaret (2011)

The story centers around a schoolgirl, Lisa, who inadvertently causes a fatal accident where a bus driver runs over a woman. Overridden by guilt, Lisa’s mood swings start creating problems, especially with her mother. Lisa tries to reach out to the dead woman’s best friend and the bus driver but her efforts fails miserably.

Ruffalo’s performance as the bus driver is outstanding along with the rest of the amazing performances that are truly heartfelt. It was positively received by the critics but unfortunately was unsuccessful at the box office.

10. Infinitely Polar Bear (2014)

This comedy drama revolves around a bipolar father and his struggle to raise two daughters while his wife supports the family. Maya Forbes wrote and directed the movie which is based on her own life experience being a daughter of a bipolar father. This movie impeccably sheds light on the mental illness and its impact on loved ones.

Ruffalo is exceptional with his exuberant, childlike and charming portrayal of a bipolar dad. He flawlessly delivers the character’s emotions like joys, hopes, fears, manic episodes, as well as his undying love for his daughters and wife. His exceptional performance earned him several award nominations include a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

9. Shutter Island (2010)

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One of the best psychological thrillers to be ever made, Shutter Island is based on the book written by Dennis Lehane. It is one of the rare movies that does complete justice to the brilliant book. DiCaprio shines in his portrayal of U.S. Marshal Edward who visits a psychiatric facility on Shutter Island to investigate after a patient goes missing. Ruffalo ensures DiCaprio doesn’t outshine him by perfectly playing the role of Edward’s partner officer.

The chemistry between DiCaprio and Ruffalo is brilliant. Both of them play their roles flawlessly making the movie a major hit. It grossed more than $294 million at the box office. Strong acting, outstanding story and intriguing visuals made this movie phenomenal.

8. Begin Again (2013)

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This musical comedy narrates the story of a singer-songwriter who gets discovered by a struggling record label executive. They collaborate to produce an album which is recorded in public locations throughout New York City.

Ruffalo delivers one of his strongest performance as a struggling record label executive. He is a delight to watch and clearly outshines. The movie grossed more than $63 million worldwide and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song.